The international documentary film festival Amsterdam has begun and with each year it becomes more and more THE film event of the year. Films are showing at various venues throughout the city from now til the end of the month. Although all the films are documentaries, the subject and style of the films always vary and cover every region of the world.

On my short list this year:

At the Death House Door - The story of a pastor who was assigned to a prison in Texas, where he presided over the death of over 100 inmates from 1982 to 1995.

Throw Down Your Heart - I'm a fan of Bela Fleck, and in this film the great banjo player travels throughout Africa in search of the roots of his instrument and how it got to America.

Henri and the Islands - A film from Belgium, from the tiniest town in the country where apparently people never talk to each other. This one boy spends his time riding around town talking to everyone, this film follows him.

Washed Ashore - the story of river people in Austria, who fear their way of life is disappearing.

The Flower Bridge - I've been wanting to learn more about Moldova. This film is the story of a family who's mother leaves in search of work, and how they get on with farming life back in Moldova.

Spanish Earth - a film that was made in 1937, documenting the lives of farmers (yes more farmers!) during the Spanish civil war.